The Long Game w/ Elijah Murray

James Azar, founder of Reservoir, joins me in this episode to discuss the journey of entrepreneurship. We explore topics such as embracing discomfort, building resilience, and the importance of authenticity in the entrepreneurial grind. Our conversation delves into the challenges of credentialing, the mission behind Reservoir, and its potential impact on academic institutions. EPISODE LINKS: Twitt...

Alec Harrison is a UX/UI Design professional with over a decade of experience leading product design across various platforms. In this conversation, we explore the impact of AI on the design and development process, the importance of building trust with clients and users, and the potential for AI to streamline the product-market fit process. EPISODE LINKS: Alec Harrison's LinkedIn Alec Harriso...

Matt Burris, a key figure in the field of startup studios, joins us in this conversation. We delve into the world of startup studios, exploring their challenges, strategies, and the innovative approach to entrepreneurship and investment they represent. Topics include the intricacies of startup studios, insights from influential individuals in the field, and valuable resources. EPISODE LINKS: Ventu...

Laura Fredericks is a serial entrepreneur and marketing leader. In this conversation, we explore the evolution of marketing in the AI era, focusing on its complexities, opportunities, and real-world applications. Laura shares insights from her journey as a self-taught marketer and her experience working with AI tools in her daily workflow. EPISODE LINKS: Laura Fredericks on LinkedIn Laure Frederic...

Trey Buchanan is a seasoned B2B paid media expert with a focus on LinkedIn advertising. In this conversation, we delve into the intricacies of LinkedIn advertising strategies tailored for B2B startups. Our discussion spans across various topics including the advantages of LinkedIn as an advertising platform, the ideal timeline for startup advertising on LinkedIn, and the role of creative content i...

Marcus Winnfors Ravik is the founder of CHEW on This, a platform fostering creativity and dialogue. In this conversation, we explore artificial intelligence and creativity, emphasizing the importance of human creativity in the age of AI dominance. We discuss the philosophy that creativity is a skill accessible to anyone, much like cooking, and its role in product design and brand loyalty. Marcus a...

Alaina Percival is a tech leader and the co-founder of Women Who Code, an organization that empowers diverse women in technology careers. In this episode, we delve into Alaina's journey, the mission of Women Who Code, and the challenges women face in the tech industry. Join us as we explore topics like diversity, empowerment, and the impact of women in technology. EPISODE LINKS: Alaina's T...

Mark Bransky is an independent personal trainer, educator, and mentor based in the California Bay Area. In this conversation, we explore the dynamics of physical fitness, the role of personal training, and the behavioral changes essential for a healthy lifestyle. Discover how gamification can motivate individuals to embrace fitness, and delve into the potential of augmented reality in promoting ph...

Jessica Watts is an ex-SaaS Sales VP of a $70MM HR Tech company turned Agency Co-Founder turned Free Agent Advisor for early stage founders. In this conversation, we explore the evolving dynamics of the sales process and how technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is influencing this transformation. We discuss the shift in work environment for sales, the application of AI in sales a...

Ronnie Peters is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of 360Design, a digital design firm collaborating with global brands and emerging companies to deploy a Design Thinking strategic approach to design user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design solutions. In this conversation, we explore how design possesses an 'outsized impact' on human behavior, society, and business. We delv...

Ishveen Jolly, founder and CEO of OpenSponsorship, joins us in this episode to discuss the gritty middle part of building companies, the challenges of two-sided marketplaces, and the importance of adaptability in the ever-changing business landscape. EPISODE LINKS: Ishveen Jolly's Twitter Ishveen Jolly's LinkedIn OpenSponsorship Website The Long Game Podcast TIMESTAMPS: (00:01:46) OpenSpon...

Alex Meredith is the co-founder of Honest, a product growth studio. In this conversation, we explore the concept of product-led growth as a business strategy. We delve into aligning a company around its product, identifying a North Star metric, and using the ICE scoring system. Tune in for insights on measuring and analyzing product performance. EPISODE LINKS: Alex Meredith on  LinkedIn Honest Web...

Lucas Philips is a born-and-bred New Yorker and a third-generation serial entrepreneur. In this conversation, we explore Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) as Lucas shares his experiences and insights. He discusses his transition from Silicon Valley startups to the acquisition and modernization of existing small businesses, notably Newark Auto. Join us as we delve into SBA Loans, moderniza...

Dominic Costanzo is the VP of Portfolio at 43North, a startup accelerator sponsored by Empire State Development. In this conversation, we explore the key elements that differentiate a good startup from the rest, the role of timing and luck in startup success, and 43North's unique investment strategy. We also delve into Dominic's perspective on the ever-evolving AI trend. EPISODE LINKS: Lea...

LaSean Smith is the founder of CAGR Investments, a firm specializing in compound annual growth rate-based investments in software companies. In this conversation, we explore investments, business models, entrepreneurship, and script contents, focusing on key topics like business decision-making, financial assessments, and the preference for personal capital over venture capital for business growth...

Join me in this insightful conversation with LaSean Smith, founder of CAGR Investments, as we delve into the art of leveraging capital for startup success. We discuss the nuances of raising capital, the impact of capital on business growth, and the importance of market validation. LaSean shares his unique perspectives on avoiding conventional capital raising pitfalls and understanding the motivati...

Chris Zeunstrom is an American entrepreneur currently residing in Lisbon, Portugal. He owns Crispy Strom Industries Inc., where he focuses on solving problems, creating products, and building businesses—through the thoughtful application of design and technology. Chris is the Founder of Ruca, a global design cooperative, and founder support network, and Yorba, a reverse CRM and passport to a more...

Jason Piperberg is a prolific illustrator who has showcased his versatility in comics, book covers, and more. In our conversation, we delve into his life as a comic artist, the essential role of intellectual property for artists, and the nuances of AI's emergence in the world of art, spotlighting topics like storytelling through art, the value of originality, and the future of generative AI in...

Sam Gimbel is the co-owner of Honest and formerly the Co-Founder of Clark and VP of Product at Clover. In this conversation we explored the intricacies of product strategy, the importance of low-tech experimentation, and the double diamond framework. We touch on topics such as AI investments, CRISPR technology, and the shift in business priorities in the current economic paradigm. EPISODE LINKS: T...

Alex Porter is the founder and CEO of Mod Tech Labs, an automated optimization solution reshaping real-time content. In this conversation, we explored the intricate world of virtual production, dove deep into 3D content's vast applications across industries, and discussed the challenges and triumphs of fundraising in the ever-evolving tech industry. EPISODE LINKS: Alex Porter's LinkedIn: ...

Rich Zazo is the CEO and Co-founder of Matter Product Studio, a consultancy that works with early stage startups to build software products. In this conversation, we explore Matter's new product called CTO-in-a-box, pricing models, technical leadership, and the difference between startups and corporations. EPISODE LINKS: -Rich Zazo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richzazo/ -Matter...

Jason Harris is the CEO and Co-Founder of Button Finance, a specialized fintech mortgage lender. In this conversation, we explored Button Finance's unique approach, the impact of COVID on their market, and Jason's journey from being an M&A banker to starting his own company. We focus on key topics like the nuances of the fintech mortgage industry, the significance of interest rates, an...

Keo Sar is a seasoned startup veteran with over 12 years of deep involvement in various stages of company growth. In this conversation, we explored his experiences in startup ecosystems from Silicon Valley to Serbia, focusing on key topics like building businesses, integrating AI strategies, and the emerging opportunities in the Balkan region. EPISODE LINKS: Keo's Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com...

Stefan Wirth is a trailblazer in the world of bootstrapped startups, with a unique perspective on building profitable businesses. In this conversation, we explored the mechanics of building bootstrapped companies, the pitfalls of the VC model, and the value of building in public. We also discussed the importance of motivation, the reality of startup pivots, and micro acquisitions. We touched on St...

Dan Miller is the CEO and founder of Spora Health. In this conversation, we explored the significance of Spora, emphasizing key topics like its vision, the art of execution in startups, and the challenges of racism in healthcare. EPISODE LINKS: Spora Health: https://www.sporahealth.com/ Sivers on Multiplication: https://sivers.org/multiply Medi: https://themedi.org/ The Power of Now: https://www.a...